I disagree with this ruling by the principal. The students probably have very little opportunity to talk with each other during classtime, so the cafeteria is where they can relax, speak casually, and spend time with their friends in a supervised setting.

Why not just require quieter conversation? Why not just require more supervision by those who are in the cafeteria with the students?

When students are properly supervised, choking can still occur, of course, but the supervisors should be close enough to make sure the choking student is helped immediately. Noise should have nothing to do with it.

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